ANNE Charleston is set return to Neighbours as Madge Bishop.
The actress played the iconic matriarch from 1986 until 1992 before returning for a second stint four years later.
Anne Charleston will reprise her iconic role as Madge Bishop[/caption]Anne, 81, later departed the soap again in 2001 as Madge was killed off in a move that devastated fans.
She passed away after a heartbreaking battle with terminal pancreatic cancer.
However, the producers of Neighbours have announced that Ian Smith, 86, will step away from his long-running character, Harold Bishop.
He recently revealed on Australian TV that he was diagnosed with “a very aggressive non-fixable cancer” a few months ago.
As part of his final scenes, his famous on-screen wife will make a huge comeback to Ramsay Street.
Execs revealed the news via social media as they posted a snap of the pair posing in character.
The official show account on X – formerly known as Twitter – announced: “Harold waves goodbye to Ramsay Street.
“We’re sharing the sad news that Ian Smith will soon be stepping away from the beloved role of Harold Bishop.
“Ian first played Harold in 1987 and it’s been a huge privilege to welcome him back to the show over the years.”
The show then announced the return of the beloved cast member for scenes that are sure to be emotional for fans.
It continued: “We’re also thrilled to announce that Anne Charleston will be joining Ian on set for some of his last scenes.
“In what context Anne will appear is yet to be revealed, but to have the iconic couple reunited will be one final treat for fans.”
Adding: “Erinsborough won’t quite be the same again, but rest assured that Harold is set to have a send-off fit for Ramsay Street royalty.”
Despite his diagnosis and apparent terminal prognosis, Ian will continue to appear on-screen until at least next year.
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And this is set to be the third comeback for Anne after the death of Madge as she previously reprised her iconic role on a number of occasions.
She appeared as her spirit for the show’s 30th anniversary celebrations in March of 2015.
The actress then made a second comeback in what was supposed to be the finale of the Australian based soap in July 2022.
Anne’s comeback will form part of Harold’s exit storyline[/caption] Madge was originally killed off in 2001 in heartbreaking scenes[/caption] The star has made a number of comebacks to Ramsay Street[/caption]